Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Casserole Bliss! This hearty, flavor-packed dish is the perfect cozy companion for chilly nights or lazy weekends. Packed with melty cheeses, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes, every bite delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Casserole Bliss
This epic casserole is the epitome of comfort food bliss. The combination of creamy, cheesy potatoes, smoky bacon, and zesty seasonings creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at a potluck. Plus, with its make-ahead versatility, this dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Get ready to indulge in a velvety, indulgent experience that will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
The key to this Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Casserole Bliss is the perfect balance of high-quality, flavorful ingredients. You’ll need potatoes, crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, a creamy sauce, and a few zesty seasonings to bring it all together. The result is a hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
- 3 lbs (1.36 kg) – Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 8 oz (227 g) – Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 2 cups (226 g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tbsp (56 g) – Unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp (32 g) – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups (473 ml) – Milk
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Swap the cheddar for Gruyère or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Potatoes: Try Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for a change in texture and sweetness.
- Bacon: For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or substitute with crispy mushrooms or roasted veggies.
How to Make Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Casserole Bliss
This Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Casserole Bliss is a simple yet satisfying dish that comes together in just a few easy steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble it. Shred the cheddar cheese using a box grater or food processor.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to a creamy sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Layer the diced potatoes in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and any additional shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, you can top the casserole with a crunchy breadcrumb or crushed potato chip topping before baking. This will create a delightful contrast to the creamy, cheesy interior.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Mix-Ins: Feel free to add in your favorite ingredients, such as diced onions, garlic, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Cheese Blends: Try using a blend of cheeses, like Gruyère and Parmesan, for a more sophisticated flavor.
- Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cheese and milk to make a lighter version of this dish.
- Crispy Topping: Top the casserole with a crunchy breadcrumb or crushed potato chip topping for added texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and nourishing meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and cozy lunch or dinner.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance, covered, and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Casserole Bliss is a hearty and indulgent dish, but it can also be a part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Each serving provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals from the potatoes and other ingredients. Of course, the cheese and bacon do contribute to the overall fat and calorie content, so be mindful of portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Casserole Bliss freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as usual.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While Russet potatoes work great in this recipe, you can also use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes. Each variety will lend a slightly different texture and flavor to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian-friendly. Simply omit the bacon and use a vegetable-based broth or milk in the creamy sauce. You can also add in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or other veggies for extra flavor and texture.
How can I make this casserole healthier?
To lighten up this dish, you can use reduced-fat or low-fat cheese, opt for skim or 2% milk in the sauce, and cut back on the amount of bacon used. You can also experiment with whole-wheat breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for the topping.
Try These Next
- creamy potato and ham casserole for comforting dinners
- creamy chicken bacon ranch casserole
- creamy chicken bacon ranch casserole for cozy nights
Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Casserole Bliss
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Cheddar Bacon Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with layers of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings!
Ingredients
– 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
– 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Spread half of the cream mixture over the potatoes, then layer half of the crumbled bacon and half of the cheese.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, bacon, and cheese.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and garnish with sliced green onions.
10.
Notes
You can substitute the sharp cheddar with your favorite cheese.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
For a crispy topping, try adding breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before the last baking step.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: casserole, potatoes, cheese, bacon, comfort food